http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/06/sports/ncaafootball/06michigan.htmlMichigan Fires Rodriguez as Coach
By LYNN ZINSER and JOANNE C. GERSTNER
Michigan fired its football coach, Rich Rodriguez, on Wednesday after two days of meetings between Rodriguez and Athletic Director David Brandon. The decision, confirmed by the university on Wednesday, ends a tumultuous three-year run for Rodriguez that ended with its trip to the Gator Bowl, where the Wolverines lost by their largest margin in a bowl, a 38-point drubbing by Mississippi State. That spelled the end for Rodriguez, who was so sought after by Michigan in 2007 that the university paid a hefty fee to buy him out of his contract at West Virginia.
Rodriguez’s three seasons brought Michigan little but turmoil. He arrived after a successful run at West Virginia — having missed the national championship game by one victory before he departed — but brought none of that success with him. His 15-22 overall record included a 6-18 mark in the Big Ten. He never beat rivals Ohio State or Michigan State.
On Rodriguez’s watch, Michigan ended its 32-year run of playing in a bowl game every season and landed on N.C.A.A. probation for three years for exceeding practice and training time limits. Despite the extra work, the Wolverines were 3-9 in his first season, the school’s first losing record since 1967. He finally led Michigan to the Gator Bowl this season, only to lose to Mississippi State, 52-14.
The N.C.A.A. probation announced in November gave Michigan cause to fire Rodriguez without owing him a buyout of his six-year, $15 million contract...